Single on Valentine’s Day or a victim of the winter blues? Perfect time for a solo date.
It is no secret that London is full of activities, but many of them are tourist attractions. It feels like every website gives the same suggestions. Tower of London! Buckingham Palace! London Eye! While the tourist destinations are definitely worth seeing, locals and many curious travelers are looking for hidden gems. This is especially true in a month like February, a month known as both “the month of love” and the peak of winter blues. No matter your circumstances, self-love and solo dates are always important, and perhaps February is the most important month to go on them. While I am not originally from the city, I have become a local over time and have accumulated my favourite hidden gems, places I would suggest to anyone as lovely solo dates.
The English Rose
The English Rose is a cafe I discovered when going to Buckingham Palace for the first time. If you are going to the palace, the cafe is only a few minutes away, and I would recommend stopping in first. It is an independent family-run cafe and tea room filled with whimsical decor and trinkets, a great place for a sit-down breakfast or to pick up a drink before walking to the palace. I like to order a hot chocolate to-go, walk to the palace, and sit at the Queen Victoria Memorial. The memorial is the perfect place to read, catch up on work, or just get some fresh air.
Eden Crafts
Eden Crafts is a booth located at the Portobello Road Market. While the market itself is one of the most famous outdoor markets in London, it has over 1,500 stalls, making individual booths easy to miss. Eden Crafts went viral on social media for their custom passport holders, a unique souvenir for tourists and locals who love to travel. They offer a wide variety of colors, materials, and pins to attach. They are open from Monday to Saturday, so you can easily avoid the weekend rush. However, I went on a Saturday, and even then, my cover was made in less than an hour. It is a great gift for yourself, because it is the kind of souvenir you will keep forever.
Biscuitters
I first came across Biscuitters when looking for an afternoon tea in Notting Hill. While afternoon tea is often hosted at luxury restaurants, Biscuitters is a smaller cafe that offers a homey atmosphere. While afternoon tea is not a solo activity, Biscuitters has much more to offer. They are the United Kingdom’s original hand-iced biscuit company, and their store is filled with biscuits for every occasion. The store is like something out of a storybook, and it is the perfect place to buy yourself a sweet treat. They have biscuits to go, and a cafe menu filled with delicious drinks and pastries.
Electric Cinema
Going to the cinema is a classic activity and a solo date, and at Electric Cinema, it is completely elevated. With a vintage-inspired interior, leather armchairs with side tables, and even sofas and beds with blankets, it completely romanticizes the cinema experience. Beyond the classic snacks, they offer full meals for a classic “dinner and a movie” night. When I am looking forward to a movie coming out, I go out of my way to see it there. But beyond the current movies, they also screen classics quite often, such as regular showings of “Notting Hill” and holiday movies in December. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a comfort movie.
The Photographer’s Gallery
A gallery is a classic solo date, and if you are in London, there is probably a gallery for anything you can imagine. The well-known galleries, such as the National Gallery and the Tate, offer great experiences but are often packed. The city is filled with many galleries that are less well-known and contemporary, and sometimes even free. The Photographer’s Gallery has been one of my favorites since I took a class field trip there years ago. The exhibitions are always changing, so I like to keep an eye on their Instagram and see what sparks my interest.
Lush Oxford Street
Lovers of Lush around the world have Lush Oxford Street on their bucket list. It is Lush’s flagship store, with three floors, exclusive products, and even a spa. The reason I am recommending it as a solo date and calling it a hidden gem is their in-store events. They often host workshops for attendees to make something from scratch. For example, this Valentine’s Day, they hosted a bath bomb-making event. However, the workshops are not always for the cosmetic products Lush is famous for. They are also for bouquets, wreaths, and more. For anyone who loves arts and crafts, this is a great way to make something physical and meet people with the same interests.
Puppy Yoga
Any animal lover knows the feeling of a serotonin boost from interacting with an animal. Living away from home, it can feel lonely not to have a pet. Puppy Yoga is a therapeutic experience, a good deed, and a workout class all in one. It is a classic yoga class, but it is filled with puppies aged 8-12 weeks. Their owners volunteer them so they can learn socialization before going to their forever homes. Puppy Yoga offers yoga classes at all levels, and “Puppy Therapy” sessions where you can simply play with them. In my opinion, this is better than a spa for relaxation.
The location is in Shoreditch and a quick walk to the Brick Lane Vintage Market, so you can even plan a whole day trip.
Kensington Gardens
While this is not necessarily a hidden gem, I included it because it has become one of my favorite spots, and I think it is big enough that it never feels too crowded or touristy. A trick I recommend is going to the exhibits during the first time slot in the morning. From my experience, it is not very busy, and you can go at your own pace, so it is almost like you are walking through the palace by yourself. Further, there are plenty of places nearby to get picnic food. My personal favorite, Fortnum & Mason, is about twenty minutes from the gardens on public transport. If you want somewhere within walking distance, there are lots of cafes and even the palace gift shop to choose from. The gardens are beautiful year-round, no matter the weather, and there are many great seating areas to choose from. There is also an ice cream van that is a perfect treat on the way out!
Final Verdict
February is known as the month of love, but love can be defined in so many ways. A solo date is always a good idea. Everyone knows how important relationships, friendships, and family bonds are, but I believe it is just as important to have an active relationship with yourself. Solo dates are more than just a fun activity or a form of self-care. They are a way to form a better bond with yourself, and do something special on your own timeline. It is important to romanticize life, and solo dates are an easy and memorable way to do it. I believe February is one of the best months for it, and London is one of the best cities in the world for it. From my experiences over the years, I can wholeheartedly recommend each of these solo dates, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
